July 22nd Deadline to Apply for Frontline Worker Bonus
Workers who were on the frontline of the pandemic have a few more weeks to apply for a bonus. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. Minnesotans are very appreciative of those who put themselves in harm?s way and encourage workers to apply if eligible and to spread the word to friends and family. Note: Those who both live and work in Minnesota are eligible.
The Fight to Protect Reproductive Rights
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling which struck down constitutional protection of abortion rights under Roe v. Wade.
Forced birth is not pro-life. For the first time ever, our next generation will have less rights than we did. People deserve to keep their healthcare decisions between them and their provider. Minnesota now has responsibility, as the only state in the region that guarantees reproductive rights, to care for people whose state has failed them. We need to fight back against extremism and protect reproductive rights, for the future of our society. It?s been devastating, but I feel lucky to have a seat at the table to protect the rights we have here in Minnesota.
As part of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, I support the Minnesota After Roe Agenda, which seeks to: 1.) Repeal outdated abortion restrictions in Minnesota; 2.) Protect abortion providers and patients; and 3.) Ensure equitable and affordable access for all. More details here.
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Governor Walz Takes Executive Action to Protect Reproductive Health Care in Minnesota?
It?s good to have a pro-choice governor. Governor Tim Walz took executive action after the Supreme Court decision to protect reproductive health care services in Minnesota. Executive Order 22-16 will help protect people seeking or providing abortions in Minnesota from laws in other states.??
?My office has been and will continue to be a firewall against legislation that would reverse reproductive freedom,? said Governor Walz. ?This order shows our administration?s commitment to protecting patients and health care providers. Our administration is doing everything we can to protect individuals? right to make their own health care decisions.?
To the maximum extent permitted under the United States and Minnesota Constitutions and Minnesota law, the Governor will decline to honor requests to extradite individuals who are accused of committing acts related to reproductive health care that are not criminal offenses in Minnesota.
Executive Order 22-16 also orders state agencies to work to protect Minnesotans providing, seeking, or obtaining lawful reproductive health care services to the fullest extent of their lawful authority. Except when required to do so by law, state agencies must not assist other states in attempts to seek civil, criminal, or professional sanctions against anyone who provides, seeks, or obtains health care services that are legal in Minnesota.??
Executive Order 22-16 is effective immediately.
Minnesota Extends Medicaid Coverage to 12 Months after Giving Birth
Many new health problems can arise after giving birth, and our healthcare system is not set up to support new parents. In a time where we?re not yet able to pass Paid Family & Medical Leave, great news came with this decision from the Governor.
Minnesotans who qualify for Medicaid because of pregnancy can now maintain the coverage a year after delivery ? a significant extension from the previous postpartum coverage that ended at 60 days. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the change on Thursday for Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico and the District of Columbia. As many as 7,000 more Minnesotans will have Medicaid coverage each year as a result, the federal government estimates.
"Every child in Minnesota deserves a healthy start, and that begins with the health of the mother," Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said Thursday during a news conference with Vice President Kamala Harris.
For more information, read the Star Tribune article here.
Juneteenth
I was happy to celebrate Juneteenth with our community last month. Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the legacy of slavery and anti-Black racism in our country, as well as a day of action and change-making. A century after emancipation, our Black communities still face tremendous barriers. We?re still working to dismantle racist systems and continue to pursue policies that support equitable education, healthcare, housing, and environmental justice. Addressing harmful disparities is important for the success of everyone in our community.
This is another area where the Senate wouldn?t agree on good legislation. My colleague and Chair of the Education Policy Committee, Rep. Ruth Richardson, authored a bill to make Juneteenth a paid state holiday. Senator Kiffmeyer blocked this legislation in conference committee; here?s a clip. Other states have agreed on legislation like this in a bipartisan manner, shown by the map below.
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